Mike2010 said:
Whats up guys, I got the DPC application packet today from NYCOM and after looking through it I have dont think i'll be doing it, even though i was initially very interested. I just feel like it is a huge risk. I know I can excel in the traditional lecture based style and it is a time tested method so i might as well just go with it. I guess I have two main problems with the DPC. First, no-one has seemed to come up with any concrete numbers on how DPC student fair against lecture based students on the COMPLEX (if there were hard facts suggesting the same outcomes i would be swayed towards DPC i think). Second and more important to me is the student-driven aspect. I feel like to be in comfortable in the program you have to be confident in the talent and abilities of your peers in the program. I dont think the packet explains the facilitator's role well enough for me...
What do you guys think about the program?, It seems like if you can excel in it you will be better set up for the clinical years. I dont know.
Couple of things while i procrastinate:
I'm a NYCOM DPC MS I.
someone asked about commuting from queens. i live just west of bayside on Northern BLVD. the commute is a very easy 30min and positions you nicely for getting into the city (25min on LIRR). can't beat it in my opinion.
next.
i've seen a couple posts with regard to the infantcy of the DPC. while it is a new program at NYCOM it is being run by people with more than 10 years of proven experience. Dr. Portanova (the head) was previously at Ohio or someplace like that and was hired by nycom for his ability to set up the program.
the benefits for taking the risk (truthfully i don't at all at risk) are:
you begin shadowing drs / working in a FP office the second half of your first year (this alone should be enough persuasion).
we have clinical training twice a week
you set your own study schedule and learning objs (the facilitators are there to insure that you cover everything important)
it is a much smaller group (40 students vs 300) providing much more visibility and networking options
after 1 semester we've already treated 12 cases and believe me when i tell you that once you learn something with respect to a patient and a case you will never forget it
did i mention that we are already out in the field at dr's offices interacting with patients, taking histories, doing physicals, and working with experienced individuals who are more than willing to point us in the write direction when it comes to the decisions that need to be made in the upcoming years.
is the program new to nycom, yes. are there still a few bugs in the system, yes. does the program prepare you to become a dr, YES. will it affect your ability to pass the boards, i don't believe so. Passing the boards ultimately comes down to the amount of time you put into your studies. the dpc program is driving info into my brain as fast as i can absorb it. there is no way that any other method of learning could be any more high yeild.
final words: send in your paperwork. i don't think we did fin aid till june or july so my advice is: GO PLAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY NOW!!!!!!!!! BECAUSE COME AUGUST YOU WILL HAVE ZERO TIME FOR ANYTHING BUT UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN BODY!!!!!!!! this i can't emphasize enough
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